Benton officials will consider a neighborhood park, and a project with the Saline County Boys and Girls Club at an upcoming meeting.
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The City of Benton Parks Committee is scheduled to meet Monday, November 11th, 2024. It will be immediately after the Streets & Drainage Committee, which begins at 5:00PM. The public is invited to this meeting, located in the Council Chambers in the Benton Municipal Complex, 114 S. East Street.
AGENDA
Chair – Judd Hart; Vice-Chair – Steve Brown; Staff Liaison – Stephanie Jones
I. Call to Order
II. Recognition of Attendees
III. Approval of Minutes
IV. Neighborhood Park Bid
V. Boys & Girls Club Project
VI. Other
VII. Adjourn
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING SEP 10 2024
The Parks Committee met on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in the Council Chambers and agreed to the following.
Chairman Hart moved to the approval of the August 13th, 2024, minutes. Alderwoman Reed made a motion to accept the minutes. Alderwoman Spencer-Cole seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chairman Hart moved to the next item on the agenda, BHS Tennis Program Agreement – Chairman Hart stated that there is nothing new to the agreement. Jones reported that the high school tennis team uses the tennis facilities at Tyndall Park, and in turn, we use the high school track for our youth track programs. Alderman Brown made a motion to move forward with the agreement. Alderwoman Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chairman Hart moved on to BHS Swim Program Agreement – Chairman Hart stated that there is nothing new to the agreement. Alderman Brown made a motion to move forward with the agreement. Alderwoman Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chairman Hart moved to the next item on the agenda, Wolves Youth Academy Program Agreement – Chairman Hart reminded the Committee that this is the youth soccer program that we want to continue with while disassociating with the adult Wolves program. Jones reported that the City Attorney has approved the agreement. Jones stated that it is still $3.00 per participant, per season and nothing else has changed within the agreement. The president of the organization has done a great job, and this agreement benefits the youth soccer program by giving them a place to play. Alderwoman Spencer-Cole made a motion to move forward with the agreement. Alderwoman Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Chairman Hart moved on to Other –
Mayor Farmer stated the Wolves soccer program has 242 participants in the program, and they are using C.W. Lewis. Mayor Farmer reported that some time ago we purchased the property by Sunset Lake. The Wolves are requesting to allow them to build soccer fields at that property. The original plan was to build pickleball courts in that area, but it would be 9-10 years before we have financing for that project. Mayor Farmer contacted an engineering firm to complete a design which he shared with Committee members. There are three 120×65 yard soccer fields that will fit. The Wolves have agreed to build these fields with in-kind donations and fundraising. They will start with one field and work from there. McClelland Engineering did check on permits since this property is in the flood plain. McClelland advised that we need to apply for a permit but if kept at the level it is presently then it would not be a problem to get the permit. Mayor Farmer advised of some of the work that will need to be done. Mayor Farmer stated that this would be a great use of the property until we could come up with financing to do something else. Chip with the Wolves believes that they could have one field ready for use in March. It was confirmed that the City Attorney has approved this. The Committee requested an MOU, but Jones stated that we could do an addendum to the original agreement. Chairman Hart asked if it would be open to the public when not in use by the Wolves. Mayor Farmer stated that there will be a fence, and the gate will be locked. Alderman Donner made a motion to move forward. Alderwoman Reed seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Jones reported that we have had positive feedback on the Mt. Bike Park. Jones stated that the grounds crew has done a phenomenal job with maintenance. They did go through a training with Progressive Trail Design and have done a great job with upkeep after it rains. There are about 700 people a week using the park.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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